Wisconsin T-33 involved in hit and run (no injuries)

[Richard W.]

Been a bad month for T-33s on sticks.

https://www.wkow.com/news/vfw-post-328-plane-damaged-in-hit-and-run/article_1a38b4c0-b1ea-11ef-bf51-27dd72e4d73d.html

[Mark Allen M]

It would be nice to take down all remaining planes on sticks. Nothing but accidents, decay, neglect and vandalism. No one seems to care about seeing them on display. It's not that kind of would anymore. No real reason to have old airplanes on display outside any longer if they're not being well taken care of, and that care is not cheap if performed properly.

Just my opinion.

[maradamx3]

Before I travel, I check aerial visuals for any planes that will be along my intended route. I seek out gate guards, VFWs, pole riders, air parks, etc. As long as they are on display, I'm one that will be interested to go check 'em out. If they're moved to a more suitable location, then I'll go there, but I'd rather they exist than get scrapped.

[maradamx3]

Before I travel, I check aerial visuals for any planes that will be along my intended route. I seek out gate guards, VFWs, pole riders, air parks, etc. As long as they are on display, I'm one that will be interested to go check 'em out. If they're moved to a more suitable location, then I'll go there, but I'd rather they exist than get scrapped.

[kalamazookid]

Before I travel, I check aerial visuals for any planes that will be along my intended route. I seek out gate guards, VFWs, pole riders, air parks, etc. As long as they are on display, I'm one that will be interested to go check 'em out. If they're moved to a more suitable location, then I'll go there, but I'd rather they exist than get scrapped.

I do the same. I've seen some aircraft that are cared for exceptionally well, and others that appear to be on the verge of falling apart. I'm always thankful to see what I can. It would be great if some of the more significant airframes could be relocated before it's too late.

[maradamx3]

Aerial Visuals has been a great tool. Some wild goose chases but overall a big help.
(Not sure why the double post.)

[Nathan]

Negative waves man.

For starters we need to get rid of the drugs ASAP. The only reason there hasn't been anything done is people get paid under the table to let it keep happening. All the houses I grew up as a kid were well taken care of. now all those houses are dumps with trash all over. Hardly anyone mows their lawns anymore.

What needs to be done is in school. We all need to write to our Reps and tell them schools need to start talking about planes, trains, cars, welding, working, etc. that would gain a new generation of people that would care about such things. Our current Education system is a joke and is broken. Every school needs to have their walls covered in lists of jobs and how to get them.

Lots of museums and library's are going out, also racetracks are closing up all over, lots of businesses can't find anyone to work. it's just not airplanes that are suffering.

[Noha307]

It would be nice to take down all remaining planes on sticks.

The problem is that there are just so many of them. For example, as of April 2016 there were 196 T-33s alone on loan to various locations around the country. (To be fair, this total includes on loan to other museums, but it also includes 22 at American Legion Posts, 13 at VFWs and 69 in various cities - all of which are likely on poles or just outside somewhere.) I'm not against the idea, but what do you do with that sheer number of aircraft?

[Mark Allen M]

Nathan, good to hear from you, and I feel your frustrations. I work on many of those problems out here in the West thru tutoring and philanthropy and optimism.

Serious issues that need serious attention, but sadly without a collective effort and commitment from a vast amount of citizens, stakeholders and communities, not to mention a healthy and honest government system, this decline and decay in our society will continue.

But my friend, this is Warbird forum, so …..

As for the number of planes on poles? There’s never too many to try to save from decaying or being destroyed. I know it’s a pipe dream, but I wouldn’t object to dismantling the rarer types hanging out there in the elements and storing them somewhere safe until a better solution can be found.

Again just my personal thoughts.

[JohnB]

A friend who is onto restoring military vehicles sent me a photo of a very nice T-33 in some small North Dakota town. He'd never ever heard of it, was surprised when he stumbled on it.
So, some are very well taken care of...and if you're upset about planes on sticks, consider the care of the T-38s in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Most static jets on display at military bases likely aren't as nice.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_T-38_Talon